Construction and characterization of a specialized Malmberg-Penning trap for confinement of a non-neutral radionuclide plasma,” Senior Thesis

The design for a Malmberg-Penning trap is dependent on the characteristics of the plasma being studied. 7Be is a radioactive isotope that decays to 7Li by electron capture. A 7Be plasma requires special consideration in designing a trap. Specifically, a strong, uniform field is required in the center, where the plasma will be confined, to distinguish between 7Be and 7Li particles. We have completed the assembly and initial testing of a trap designed specifically for confining a 7Be plasma. Results of this testing show that we have a strong magnetic field with µT variability. This uniform field will allow us to make accurate measurements of the radioactive decay of 7Be in a plasma state. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Writing this thesis was a long process, and I’m especially greatful to my research advisors Dr. Peterson and Dr. Hart for their patience and assistance in its revision and completion. I would also especially like to thank my father for his help and encouragement to me. Finally, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of my family and friends who encouraged me in writing this thesis and for the suggestion